BMW may also be planning an auxiliary electrical system to power the growing number of electronic in-car features, with an output of 48 volts.

Recent reports have also suggested that the next M5 could offer optional all-wheel-drive for the first time, however an interview earlier this year suggests BMW M's Friedrich Nitschke may still be in two minds on the idea.

The all-new model is due to hit the European market from July 2016 in sedan form, with the Touring model (wagon) following in November 2016.